Are you still relying on major drugstore chains like Walgreens and CVS to get your prescriptions mailed to you? If so, it’s time for a change!
Consumer Reports (CR), a nonprofit consumer organization, has found that there are a number of legitimate and regulated online pharmacies, which can give you plenty of cheaper options. It investigated several online pharmacies and found that you can save big on your prescriptions without stepping out of your house.
A recent Kaiser Family Foundation analysis found that at least 3 in 10 adults who need prescription drugs said they did not take them in the past year because they were too expensive. CR says people who are insured as well as uninsured are struggling.
Well, there is a savings solution – all you need to do is go online. Some big-name online retailers such as Amazon, Costco, GeniusRx, Honeybee Health, Scriptco, RO Pharmacy, Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drugs, and Health Warehouse, among others offer discounted prescription drugs.
CR compared prices and found that the prescription drug prices online were low. It also found that you can save big on your orders if you buy medications online for multiple months. For instance, Ro Pharmacy sells a 30-day supply of generic Lipitor, a cholesterol-lowering drug, for just $9.90, while a year’s supply costs you $19.80.
However, there are a few drawbacks. If you are paying out of pocket for your prescriptions, the money will not typically go toward your insurance deductible. You might also not be able to find your exact prescription drug.
Another drawback is some websites are not full-service pharmacies so they might not carry brand-name drugs. They only offer cheaper generic drugs. In addition, some online pharmacies may fail to address dangerous drug interactions.
Online pharmacies can really help you save money on your prescription but sticking with a local drugstore may be better if you take a combination of drugs or complex drugs.
Make sure you choose an online pharmacy that can ship to you. Four online pharmacies ship to all 50 states, according to CR.
